Compliance Systems News
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Legionella Experts in Puerto Rico Support Water Management and Infection Control Programs on Cruise Ships
One of the largest cruise line operators recently issued a letter to passengers that had sailed on one of their ships after learning that two prior passengers had a Legionella diagnosis. The letter was reportedly sent out of an ‘abundance of caution’ as the two individuals were not diagnosed onboard. During the time of the two illnesses, the ship in question was based in Florida with ...
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Test Ceiling Materials for Asbestos before Beginning Renovation, Remodeling and Demolition Projects in Puerto Rico
Building renovation, remodeling and repurposing projects often involve changes to ceiling materials. This may include removing popcorn ceilings or taking down ceiling tiles, insulation or other actions that involve disturbing existing building materials. Before beginning this type of project, there are some important safety issues to address that involve ceiling materials. One that should not ...
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New Lower Screening Levels for Lead in Contaminated Soil and Resources to Protect Children and Families in Puerto Rico
In January, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was lowering recommended screening levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas where children live and play. As a result of the lower screening levels, EPA also declared it expects to investigate more residential properties for potential cleanup under the ...
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Protecting Building Occupants from Ringworm and Other Pathogens in Puerto Rico
Ringworm is a skin infection that is actually caused by a fungus. It’s called “ringworm” because it can create a circular rash that is usually red and itchy. The infection goes by many names, the medical terms are “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.” The name given to the unique group of fungi that can infect keratinized tissue, such as skin, hair and nails, ...
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National Radon Action Month and Testing Resources in Puerto Rico
Radon is a naturally occurring cancer-causing radioactive gas that can be found in underlying soil, rock and groundwater. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) believes that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in this country, responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Radon gets into the air people breathe as it makes its way up from the ...
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Identifying Bed Bugs in Puerto Rico to Mitigate the Risk of Full Blown Infestations
Last month, media outlets from across the globe reported on officials in Paris battling a bed bug infestation that has impacted the famous city that is set to host the Olympics next summer. However, bed bugs are not just a French problem. The insects are found globally and have been discovered in everything from five-star hotels and resorts to cruise ships, buses, trains and homes. The Centers ...
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Protecting Workers in Puerto Rico from Respirable Crystalline Silica and OSHA’s New Initiative
Earlier this fall, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had launched a new initiative focused on enhancing enforcement and providing compliance assistance to protect workers involved with engineered stone fabrication and installation. According to the announcement: Supplementing OSHA's current National Emphasis Program for ...
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Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration Awarded $3.5+ Million to Protect Residents from Lead and Other Hazards
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced it had awarded over $3.5 million to the Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration. The funds are meant to help protect local families from lead and other home health and safety hazards. HUD is providing these resources to Puerto Rico and other state and local governments through its Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction ...
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National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and Protecting Children, Families and Workers in Puerto Rico
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) takes place this year from October 22nd through the 28th. The week of recognition is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Together, we can prevent lead exposure!” is the theme for this ...
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Infection Control Resources in Puerto Rico to Identify Acinetobacter and Other Microbial Pathogens
Acinetobacter is described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment in places like soil and water. While there are many types, the most frequent cause of infections in humans is known as Acinetobacter baumannii. Infections of the blood, urinary tract and lungs, or in wounds in other parts of the body can all be caused by ...
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Waste Tyre Pyrolysis Plant Cost: Unlocking Sustainable Tire Waste Management
The relentless growth of discarded tires presents a pressing environmental challenge. To address this issue, waste tyre pyrolysis plants have emerged as a promising solution. This article delves into the cost aspect of waste tyre pyrolysis plants, shedding light on the crucial factors influencing pricing and the economic viability of these systems. Understanding Waste Tyre Pyrolysis Pyrolysis ...
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Puerto Rico Celebrates National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month
National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month takes place each October. The term indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air in any type of built environment, and with Americans spending approximately 90% of their time indoors according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality can have a significant impact on comfort, health and even productivity. EPA warns that the ...
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Resources to Mitigate Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection Risks in Hospitals and Buildings throughout Puerto Rico
Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria that is found commonly in the environment, often in places like soil and water. Of the many different types of Pseudomonas, the one that most often causes infections in humans is known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can cause infections in the blood, lungs and potentially other parts of the body. ...
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EPA Extends Comment Period for Addressing Contaminated Soil and Groundwater at Superfund Site in Puerto Rico
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it extended the public comment period for its proposed cleanup plan to address lead-contaminated soil and groundwater at the Battery Recycling Company Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico to October 16, 2023. The main property at the site was operated as a secondary lead smelter and battery recycling operation until 2014. Prior ...
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Asbestos in Floor Tiles and Flooring Materials Still a Concern in Puerto Rico
Up until the late 1970s, asbestos was added to various types of flooring materials and tiles during the manufacturing process to increase the strength and durability of the products. In fact, the Minnesota Department of Health warns that flooring, including sheet vinyl, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive or glue, may contain asbestos. Virtually ...
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EPA Proposes New Lead Paint Standards to Protect Against Childhood Lead Exposure in Puerto Rico
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in July a proposal to strengthen requirements for the removal of lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 buildings and child care facilities, known as abatement activities, to better protect children and communities from the harmful effects of exposure to dust generated from lead paint. If finalized, the new rule is estimated to reduce the ...
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Major Upgrades Coming to Reduce Puerto Rico’s Sewage and Wastewater Pollution
Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that pursuant to a settlement modification with the agency and the U.S. Department of Justice, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has agreed to make major improvements and upgrades to the island’s sanitary collection system and wastewater treatment plants. EPA claims the upgrades will allow the ...
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Identifying VOC Exposure Risks to Protect Building Occupants and Workers in Puerto Rico
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a diverse group of chemicals that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. These chemicals can be found in numerous products and materials used to build, furnish, clean, and maintain homes and buildings. They can also be found in a number of personal care and consumer goods where they can become an airborne pollutant. Exposure to elevated levels ...
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EPA Proposes PFAS National Drinking Water Standard and Resources to Protect Residents of Puerto Rico from Chemical Exposures
Several months ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the nation’s first-ever national drinking water standard for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The agency reports that through this action, it is taking a major step towards protecting public health from PFAS pollution by proposing to establish legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to occur in ...
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Tips to Help Prevent Indoor Mold Growth in Homes and Buildings throughout Puerto Rico
Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, burning eyes or a skin rash in some people. Asthmatics who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions and CDC warns that immunocompromised individuals, and people with chronic lung disease, could be at risk of ...
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